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High-Ceiling Mosaic

Islamic architecture is striking and beautiful. Explore the use of geometric shapes in mosques.

1.

There are no figures in Islamic art, only geometric designs and calligraphic expressions of Arabic prayers and writings. Look at pictures of mosques for ideas. Here are some suggestions to make a realistic replica of an entrance portal to a mosque.

2.

With Crayola® Scissors, cut thin cardboard to fit over a box opening to be a façade. Cut an arch from the middle. Save the cutout piece.

3.

Roll a sheet of blue or white Crayola Model Magic. Roll smaller sheets of white, green, or other colors. Cut the small sheets into tiny pieces. Press these "tiles" into the first sheet to create a mosaic pattern. If you wish, use a toothpick to create a honeycomb effect in the mosaic.

4.

Lay the box on its back and fill it with lightly crumpled newspaper. Drape the mosaic over the top of the newspaper (when it dries it will hang from the top of the box like a vaulted ceiling). Attach the mosaic to the box with Crayola School Glue. Air-dry

5.

With Crayola Metallic Colored Pencils, decorate the cardboard façade and cutout piece in Arabic style with geometric and calligraphy designs. Use a Crayola Paint Brush to smooth on a thin layer of Crayola Glitter Glue to adorn the design. Air-dry the glue.

6.

Mix and roll out more Model Magic for the portal’s floor and side walls. For a marbleized effect, mix blue and white together just a bit. Air-dry the sheets.

7.

To assemble your portal, remove the newspaper. Glue the cutout arch piece to the back of the box. Glue the Model Magic sheets to the floor and walls. Glue the façade to the front. Air-dry your beautiful work of architecture!